Frank Helms

William Frank Helms, Jr., passed away March 2, 2016, at home, surrounded by his family. Beloved son of the late Belle Bradley Helms and William Frank Helms, Sr., he was born March 9, 1938, in Monroe, North Carolina. A lifelong resident of Union County, he attended Mars Hill College and Wingate University. He owned and operated the College Shoppe, men's clothier, in Monroe and Wingate, and Frank's Ltd in Monroe. As proprietor of Endless Endeavors, Weddington, NC, he bought and sold antique and classic cars throughout the United States, France, Singapore, Scotland, England, Australia, Spain, and New Zealand. For several years, he owned WKRE radio station and took great pleasure in giving school children the opportunity to speak on the radio. He also enjoyed managing his real estate investments. He and his family established lasting friendships through his many and diverse business ventures. He was a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church where he had served as a trustee. He was a devoted husband to his wife of forty-nine years, Libby Hollingsworth Zealy Helms. His proudest accomplishments centered around his cherished children, William Frank “Tripp” Helms, III, and wife Amy Hamilton Helms of Monroe, NC, and Mary Zealy “B'easy” Helms Thompson and husband James Berkeley Thompson of Blacksburg, VA. His grandchildren were a source of great pride and joy: Max Kern, Davis, CA; Zealy Clare Helms and William Henry Helms, Monroe, NC; Sophia Derian Thompson, Frank Hollingsworth Thompson, and Virginia “Ginsey” Berkeley Thompson, Blacksburg, VA. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Helms Johnson, Oak Island, NC; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Zealy Kerr, Cypress, TX, and Jane Kirkman Zealy, Greensboro, NC, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was grateful for the care provided by Verna Reed during his last months. Visitation will be held at Gordon Funeral Service, in Monroe, on Sunday, March 6, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will take place at Central United Methodist Church, Monroe, on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 801 South Hayne Street, Monroe, NC 28112. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com